City to launch curbside recycling program in French Quarter and CBD

January 22, 2014

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced the return of curbside recycling as a City service in the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD). Collection of recyclable materials will take place in every Tuesday morning by Progressive Waste Solutions.

“Expanding recycling to the French Quarter and Central Business District is another important step to creating a truly sustainable New Orleans. We heard citizens say loud and clear that they wanted recycling so we have made it a priority to reintroduce this service in neighborhoods across the city,” Mayor Landrieu said.

As part of the agreement reached for a one-year extension of the Progressive Waste Solutions contract with the City, the Administration secured curbside recycling for residential properties and small businesses in the French Quarter and CBD. Starting, Tuesday, January 28, 2014, recycling service will be available to approximately 4,062 eligible and serviced locations. Pick-up will occur weekly, on Tuesday mornings.

“Adding the French Quarter and the CBD to the City's residential recycling program is a huge win for our constituents in these areas and for the environment,” said District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Chair of the Council’s Sanitation and Environmental Committee. “I applaud the Administration and the contractors for revisiting this issue in order to allow all of residents to participate in this program for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. I look forward to seeing even more progress in the City's recycling services in the years to come!”

Council President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson said, “Expanding our City's recycling program makes New Orleans a greener, more environmentally friendly city. By recycling, we are preserving our environment and leaving our earth in better condition for future generations!”

Councilmember-at-Large Stacy Head said, “Residents of Downtown and the French Quarter are celebrating today as the City's curbside recycling program is now extended to their neighborhoods! I am thrilled that our heavily-populated and booming Downtown neighborhoods will finally be able to participate in this important program.”

Curbside recycling is currently available for eligible residential properties and small businesses throughout the city serviced by Richard's Disposal and Metro Disposal.

As part of the launch of curbside recycling in the French Quarter and CBD, the Sanitation Department will host two free pick-up events within the next month to distribute blue, 18-gallon bins to eligible residents and small businesses at no cost. The smaller bins were selected for the French Quarter and CBD so they can be easily stored in these historic neighborhoods. Residents must provide proof of ownership/residence such as a utility bill, driver’s license or rental agreement.